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Brighton & Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber has given an important update on Carlos Baleba's future as Manchester United step up their chase for the midfielder. The Red Devils have marked the Cameroon international as a leading target as they look to strengthen Michael Carrick's midfield before the transfer window closes.

Barber addresses United interest

Barber has made it clear that the club will approve departures only if they "make sense for us financially" after Baleba was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford. The 22-year-old has become an influential player for the Seagulls since joining from Lille, and his displays have drawn attention from the Premier League's top sides.

'We are always going to be interested'

Speaking to talkSPORT about the rumours, Barber kept his response measured but indicated that a transfer could happen if the valuation is met. "It's not something that I can talk about right now," the Brighton chief said. "I mean this time of year as you know we're always going to be subject to bids for our players. We are always going to be interested in ones that are sensible and that are going to make sense for us financially and economically."

Carrick targets midfield reinforcements

Manchester United have made central midfield strengthening a clear priority this summer after Casemiro departure and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte left Carrick with limited options. The club have already moved in the market, bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and triggering the £35m release clause of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa to add badly needed experience.

Reports say United have now shifted their full focus to Baleba and have submitted an opening offer worth £60 million plus £5m in add-ons. Although Brighton view that bid as slightly below their asking price, constructive talks between the two clubs are continuing.

Balancing the Seagulls' ambitions

Barber was also quick to stress that any sale has to be weighed against the club's ambitions on the pitch, especially with European football approaching. "We always have to balance that with making sure the squad is as strong as it can be to compete in competitions like the one we are in tonight [Europa Conference League]," Barber added in the interview.

Even with the need to maintain squad depth, Barber accepted that the midfielder's reputation is growing rapidly. He concluded: "So nothing to really say on Carlos at the moment other than he's a hugely talented young midfielder who's done really well for us and has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world now for a couple of years so let's see where we go."